The Endless Promise

96. Selfish

.

"Y- You guys!" Luoyin exclaimed in shock, his voice ringing across the silent Tea House.

Surrounding him were the angry faces of Xu Weiyan, Xu Min, Xu Lian, and Xu Wen, along with Elder Zhou and the Head Alchemist, who wore smug expressions like they'd just caught a fox.

At the center stood Lord Xu, his face unreadable, except for the glint of disappointment in his eyes.

Xu Weiyan suddenly appeared before Luoyin, her eyes blazing with hurt and anger which made his heart twist.

"Y- Yanyan, I can explain-!" He started, but her hand moved fast, pressing a familiar talisman to his chest.

Spirit-binding robes instantly sprung around him, pinning his limbs to his sides.

"You-!" He sent her a look of utter betrayal, but it shattered as soon as he caught the angry tears glistening in her eyes. He swallowed his words as guilt sliced through him, and she turned sharply and silently walked back to her father's side.

'How... How are they here?!' Luoyin panicked inwardly, then scrambled into a polite bow. "Ehehe, F- Father-in-law, I apologiz-!"

An unexpected aura washed over him.

"Zhang Yin! How could you simply leave?!" Xu Min's voice thundered, angrier than Luoyin had ever heard it, and it was as if he could see not just Xu Min, but Chu Cui, the proud merman with his glinting azure scales, making Luoyin wonder why he hadn't recognized him sooner!

But his friend's anger made Luoyin feel like he chewed on raw goldthread... He was indeed a sinner if he could make Chu Cui - no, Xu Min this angry!

"Yin Gege! Did we offend you anywhere?!" Xu Lian's voice cracked in a pout, adding to the weight of his guilt.

"Hmph. Was I calling you 'Shixiong' as a joke?!" Xu Wen folded his arms with an accusing scowl. "What matters can't we resolve as comrades? Or as a Sect?!"

"Tch! Yin gēge, you certainly don't acknowledge any of us!" Xu Lian snapped again, with a crack in her voice which made his heart heavier.

"Xiaoyin," Lord Xu's voice was soft and low. "Do you still see me as an elder? As family?"

The shower of words were like arrows piercing through Luoyin's flesh, but it was Lord Xu's quiet voice which made him feel the most uneasy...

He would much rather his father-in-law yell at him like the rest, and he lowered his head, speechless, his heart aching.

'Was I... wrong...?'

"Perhaps..." Old man Bao's voice came from behind him.

The commotion had brought the Immortals out, and they stood behind Luoyin, prompting Weiyan, Lord Xu, and the others to pull out their weapons.

"Perhaps we can discuss this over hot cups of tea?" Old man Bao suggested, releasing just enough of his aura to make them gently give up!

Lord Xu cupped his hands and bowed, and the rest followed.

"Greetings, Immortals. Forgive our insolence... We didn't know he was meeting you."

Luoyin scowled.

'What if these Immortals had been enemies?! Not one of these little ones would stand a chance!'

Wasn't this proof that mortals shouldn't associate with him?!

Still, their words and Weiyan's look of betrayal deeply hurt his heart, and he could still feel the weight of their words.

Did leaving them behind really mean he didn't acknowledge them?

Old man Bao turned and headed back inside, and they all followed after him...